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The Benedictine Oblates

Patron of Oblates

Although Franciscans and Dominicans are generally attributed with the establishment of "Third Order" groups, lay men and women have shared in the actual and spiritual works of monasteries for centuries. Since the 195Os, there has been an increased desire on the part of many to share in the meditative and spiritual techniques that were thought to belong only to monks and nuns, cloistered contemplatives. Well, "it's not just for monks anymore." There has been an increased effort around the world to share the fruits of the monastic life with those who live outside the cloister, both single and married alike. The Benedictine Oblates are the prime example of just such people.

Most oblates live a life outside the cloister, but the driving force in their lives is an intense desire to live in union with God and to seek this relationship with God in three main ways: the practice of meditative holy reading, celebration of Liturgical Hours, and quietly working in the world and uniting that work with the plan of God. Oblates are usually associated with a particular monastery and are seen as an institute that assists the monks in their work and prayer. The monks in turn provide spiritual assistance and direction to the oblates through workshops, retreats, publications, etc. and remember the oblates in their prayerful offerings of the day. There are Benedictine oblates in nearly every respectable profession you can imagine, but they all have one thing in common: the desire to unite themselves to God and each other through monastic spirituality.

One can inquire about becoming an oblate through another oblate or by contacting the Oblate Director. After attendance at a few meetings and the intention is solidified, one becomes an "oblate novice". After a year, the oblate will further their commitment through a formal oblation, which is made in the presence of the abbot and monastic community. While these are not canonical vows, formal oblation should be seen as an interior and exterior commitment to simple living, holy reading, praying the psalms (liturgical hours) and cultivating an interior sense of peace. Through oblation, the oblate becomes part of the extended "family" of the monastery and can share in their work and prayer either directly and personally at the monastery itself, or spiritually joined to the community while practicing the spirituality in their own home.

Some monasteries have the custom of "claustral oblates" who are men or women who chose to share directly in the life of the monastic community by living and working in the monastery. They do not profess vows and are generally self-sufficient financially, but otherwise share in the day-today workings of the monastery. Each monastery has provisions concerning this practice according to its own customary.